Barbara was born in Coffeeville, Mississippi, where she was Salutatorian of the 1954 graduating class of the local high school. She moved to Lafayette in 1995, after her husband passed away the year before, to set up lingerie cutting for Freddie Scruggs at SBF, in the old Formfit Rogers building.

She first joined the Ladies Auxiliary in 1967 in Mississippi, where she held several offices. After moving to Lafayette and transferring to the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW Post #7135, she was elected President in 1997.

Barbara has been the District #4 President, Sr. Vice President, Guard and Conductress along with several state positions.

Her prestigious awards in Macon County include Who’s Who of American Women, 23rd edition; a 2001 Walmart #829 plaque for her dedication, hard work, and time given to our community and to those who have served our great country; 2009 Walmart plaque for leadership & service to the men and women who serve and protect our great nation; State of Tennessee Mary D. Cochran award for leadership in the Ladies Auxiliary VFW; numerous state and national awards for her accomplishments in the 45 years of volunteer work for veterans, including the homeless veterans for 19 of those years; and the Bronze Medallion for the Tennessee Auxiliary President of the year 2001-2002.

Everyone is invited to attend this celebration and tea and snacks will be served. Members are requesting anyone who has a heartfelt story of an event during Barbara’s 16 years of services as Ladies Auxiliary President, to please speak. “Don’t worry, she is still extremely active in the VFW but is just sharing some of the fun,” said Mickey Newsome. “Also if you would like any information about the VFW or Ladies Auxiliary, please attend and someone will be happy to answer any questions, or contact me at 501-416-3090.”

Barbara’a late husband was in the Navy during WWII and her brother was a Captain in the Marines for 20 years before retiring. She has two children, Mitchell Carver Oliver and Susan Annelle Oliver.

The Macon County Chronicle pays tribute to Barbara Oliver for her dedicated service to our veterans and her contributions to the community.